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All Blacks seek next generation of halves

By David Hands

October 27 2004, 1:00am, The Times

THREE of the world’s most experienced half backs will remain at home when New Zealand visit Europe next month. Justin Marshall and Andrew Mehrtens, the Canterbury pairing, are rested and Carlos Spencer, the Auckland fly half, is injured as Graham Henry, the coach, seeks to develop the next generation of All Black halves.

There is a recall, however, for Anton Oliver, the former captain, who has been ignored this year. Oliver, capped 41 times at hooker, replaces Andrew Hore in the squad and could yet find a way past Keven Mealamu, the mobile Auckland player, in the three internationals with which New Zealand conclude their year.

“You have got guys who are around 30 years of age, who could well be playing against the Lions…